All articles by antonica jones
antonica jones
Growth experience: The Insider with Carlos Khneisser
Carlos Khneisser has been vice-president of development Middle East at Hilton Worldwide for six years, overseeing the company’s growth during one of the most turbulent periods in the region’s history – and Egypt has been a key focus.
Hot off the press: Hotel Investment Conference Europe
Hotel Management International reports from this year’s Hotel Investment Conference Europe, where leading lights from Steigenberger, Jumeirah, Langham and Scandic sat down to talk about attracting the right investor, why social media is changing the role of marketing, and how technology can put guests back in charge.
Forward momentum: Deloitte’s European Hotel Investment Conference
Deloitte’s 27th European Hotel Investment Conference took attendees on a virtual road trip. Hotel Management International was in central London to hear from some of the industry’s biggest names intent on putting their feet on the accelerator.
Back on the books: online booking and digital distribution
Since launching its new distribution strategy in June, AccorHotels has been testing, tweaking and structuring the inclusion of independent hotels to its distribution platform. It is perhaps the most ambitious example yet of a hotel group looking to directly challenge the disruptors, taking on online travel agencies at their own game. Six months in, Patrick Kingsland speaks to Romain Roulleau, the company’s senior vice-president of e-commerce and digital services, to gauge the success of the scheme so far and its longer-term goals.
Let there be light: enhance guest experience with lighting
In partnership with Megaman, Hotel Management International invited delegates from across the hotel design sector to the Corinthia Hotel London for a wide-ranging discussion, moderated by Sally Storey of Lighting Design International, on the roles that lighting plays in enhancing guests’ experience and increasing retention. Oliver Hotham reports on an evening devoted to illuminating conversation.
French connection: Jean-Michel Lorain goes upside-down in Thailand
Three-Michelin-starred French chef Jean-Michel Lorain has branched out into Thailand, opening an upside-down-themed restaurant featuring French cuisine served Asian-style at five-star hotel U Sathorn Bangkok. Elly Earls meets the man himself to find out more about his quirky new concept and why he’s keeping it in the family.
Europe on the up: IHG’s Angela Brav targets continental expansion
In her four years as IHG’s chief executive for Europe, Angela Brav has demonstrated a willingness to gamble. The American native talks to Phin Foster about targeting key markets, providing clarity and why European strength is the only way to truly make one’s global brands shine.
Dine under the Stars: a shift in restaurant management
Star power has long been a proven means of attracting diners to a hotel restaurant. But with the degree of command operators have to cede to big-name chefs and restaurateurs, not to mention revenue, an increasing number are looking at developing in-house dining concepts and reclaiming control. Elly Earls speaks to IHG’s Pascal Gauvin and Hilton Worldwide’s Simon Lazarus about whether we might be witnessing a marked shift in the way hotels conceive and manage their restaurants.
A league of its own: Hotel Football
Michael Jones catches up with GG Hospitality’s management team after the opening of Hotel Football in March and finds the brand match-fit and in fine form.
Modern management: report from the 42nd annual EHMA general meeting
The world of online reviews and digital comparison can strike fear into the hearts of general managers, with luxury hotels by no means immune. However, as the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) congregated in Geneva for its 42nd annual general meeting, entitled ‘Communication revolution’, guests heard how rediscovering the human heart of hospitality could provide the answer. Sarah Williams reports.